JP2009274331A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which allows a user to easily grasp the timing when an abnormality has occurred on an image formed on a paper sheet. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with: an image forming section 50 which forms an normal image on a paper sheet from normal image data, and also forms a sample image on the sheet from sample image data; a reversing section 80 which discharges the normal image paper sheet having the normal image formed thereon, also discharges the sample image paper sheet having the sample image formed thereon, and reverses or shifts the sample image paper sheet so that the timing when the sample image sheet is discharged is discriminable; and a controller 400 which controls these sections. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for discharging normal image paper and sample image paper.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed is known. The image forming apparatus is, for example, a copying machine or a printer. When the image forming apparatus is a copying machine, the image forming apparatus acquires image data by reading an image from a document. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is a printer, the image forming apparatus acquires image data from an external device such as a personal computer. In the following description, an image formed based on image data to be copied or printed is referred to as a normal image.

  Here, there may be a case where the image forming apparatus continuously discharges the paper on which the normal image is formed. For example, there are a case where image formation is performed based on image data for a plurality of pages, a case where image formation is performed for a plurality of copies based on image data for a single page, and the like. In such a case, in a situation where the quality of the image formed on the paper is abnormal, a large amount of defective output may occur. It is necessary to check whether there is an abnormality in the quality.

For example, an image forming apparatus that discharges a sample image sheet that is a sheet on which a sample image is formed is known (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). This image forming apparatus distinguishes between a discharge destination of normal image paper, which is a paper on which a normal image is formed, and a discharge destination of sample image paper.
JP 2005-153374 A JP 2005-157015 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described above, even when it can be confirmed that there is an abnormality in the quality of the sample image formed on the discharged sample image paper, the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged is grasped. Difficult to do. That is, it is difficult to confirm at which timing an abnormality has occurred in the normal image formed on the normal image paper. In particular, in a case where a large amount of normal image paper is output from the image forming apparatus, it is more difficult to grasp when the sample image paper is discharged, and at what timing it is formed on the normal image paper. It is very difficult to confirm whether an abnormality has occurred in a normal image.

  Although it is conceivable that the user always monitors the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged, the load on the user is very large.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an image forming apparatus that can easily grasp the timing at which an abnormality has occurred in a normal image formed on a normal image sheet. The purpose is to provide.

  The image forming apparatus according to the first feature forms an image on a sheet. The image forming apparatus sequentially forms normal images on paper based on normal image data, and forms image images on paper based on sample image data (paper tray unit 30, paper feed unit 40, The image forming unit 50, the fixing unit 60, and the like) and the normal image paper on which the normal image is formed are discharged in a bundle and the sample image paper on which the sample image is formed are discharged. In order to make it possible to distinguish between the paper discharge unit (the paper discharge unit 70 and the post-processing apparatus 300) and the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged, at least one of the image forming unit and the paper discharge unit is controlled. A control unit for discharging the normal image paper and the sample image paper to the paper discharge unit.

  According to this feature, the control unit controls at least one of the image forming unit and the paper discharge unit so that the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged can be identified. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged. Thereby, it is possible to easily grasp the timing at which an abnormality has occurred in the normal image formed on the normal image paper.

  In the first feature, the control unit causes the paper discharge unit to discharge the normal image paper and the sample image paper to the same discharge destination. The sample image paper is discharged so that the sample image paper protrudes from the bundle of normal image paper.

  In the first feature, the control unit causes the image forming unit to form the sample image on a protruding portion of the sample image sheet that protrudes from the normal image sheet.

  In the first feature, the control unit causes the paper discharge unit to discharge the sample image paper in a direction different from that of the normal image paper.

  In the first feature, the control unit causes the image forming unit to form the sample image on a sheet having a direction different from that of the sheet on which the normal image is to be formed. The paper is discharged in a different direction from the paper.

  In the first feature, the control unit relatively shifts the normal image paper and the sample image paper to discharge the sample image paper.

  In the first feature, the control unit causes the paper discharge unit to discharge the normal image paper to a first discharge destination, discharge the sample image paper to a second discharge destination, and further, the paper discharge When the sample image sheet is discharged to the second discharge destination, a timing sheet, which is a sheet indicating the timing at which the sample image sheet is discharged, is discharged to the first discharge destination.

  In the first feature, the paper type of the timing paper is different from that of the normal image paper.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily grasping the timing at which an abnormality has occurred in a normal image formed on a normal image sheet.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

  However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and ratios of dimensions and the like are different from actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Moreover, it is a matter of course that portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included between the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Outline of image forming apparatus)
The outline of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, it should be noted that the detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an automatic document feeding unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a paper tray unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, an image forming unit 50, a fixing unit 60, a discharge unit. A paper unit 70, a reversing unit 80, and an operation unit 90 are provided. The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a paper feeding device 200 and a post-processing device 300.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a user terminal 600 via a printer controller 500. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the printer controller 500 by a video bus 501. For example, the printer controller 500 is connected to the user terminal 600 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 601.

  In the first embodiment, as the image forming apparatus 100, an MFP (Multiple Function Peripheral) that forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method is exemplified. However, the image forming method is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may be an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, or the like.

  In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has a function of discharging a normal image sheet that is a sheet on which a normal image is formed and a sample image sheet that is a sheet on which a sample image is formed. As will be described later, the image forming apparatus 100 discharges a sample image sheet when a sample discharge condition is satisfied.

  The automatic document feeder unit 10 is a unit that conveys a document to be copied. Specifically, the automatic document feeding unit 10 includes a document placement tray, a document separation unit, a document transport unit, a document discharge unit, a document discharge tray, and a document reversing unit.

  The document placing tray is a tray on which the document is placed. The document separation unit separates and feeds the documents one by one when a plurality of documents are placed on the document placement tray. The document conveyance unit includes a roller group that conveys the document separated by the document separation unit to the image reading position. The document discharge unit discharges the document conveyed by the document conveyance unit to the document discharge tray. The document discharge tray is a tray on which the document discharged by the document discharge unit is placed. The document reversing unit reverses the front and back of the document in the duplex copying mode.

  The image reading unit 20 is a unit that reads an image of a document and generates image data. Specifically, the image reading unit 20 includes a platen glass, a lamp, a mirror unit, an imaging lens, and an image sensor.

  The platen glass is a table on which a document is placed when the document is copied without using the automatic document feeding unit 10.

  The lamp emits light applied to the document. In the case where the automatic document feeder unit 10 is used, the lamp irradiates the document with light through the slit. On the other hand, the lamp irradiates the original with light while scanning and moving along the lower surface of the platen glass in the case where the automatic original feeding unit 10 is not used. The mirror unit reflects the light reflected by the document and guides the light reflected by the document to the imaging lens side. The imaging lens forms an image of the light reflected by the mirror unit. Specifically, the imaging lens forms an image of light reflected by the document on the image sensor. The imaging element is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD image sensor that reads light imaged by an imaging lens. An image signal taken out from the CCD image sensor is converted into image data as digital data through A / D conversion, shading correction, and the like.

  The paper tray unit 30 is a unit that stores paper. The paper tray unit 30 includes a plurality of paper feed trays, a plurality of paper feed rollers, a plurality of separation rollers, and a plurality of photo sensors.

  Each paper feed tray is a tray for storing a plurality of sheets. Each paper feed roller feeds the paper stored in the paper feed tray toward the separation roller. Each separation roller separates the sheets fed by the sheet feeding roller one by one. Each photo sensor detects whether or not the sheet has reached a later-described roller group.

  The paper feed unit 40 is a unit that feeds paper to the image forming unit 50. The paper feed unit 40 includes a plurality of roller groups, a conveyance roller, a registration roller, and a pre-transfer roller.

  The plurality of roller groups conveys paper sent from the paper tray unit 30 or the paper feeding device 200. The conveying roller conveys the sheet conveyed by the plurality of roller groups in the direction of the registration roller. Further, the conveyance roller conveys a sheet conveyed from a paper discharge unit 70 described later in the direction of the registration roller. The registration roller is an aura for aligning the leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the conveying roller, and conveys the aligned sheet to the pre-transfer roller. Note that the toner image formation by the image forming unit 50 is started at the timing when the sheet reaches the registration roller. The pre-transfer roller conveys the sheet conveyed by the registration roller to the image forming unit 50 side.

  The image forming unit 50 is a unit that forms a toner image on a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 40 in accordance with the image data generated by the image reading unit 20. The image forming unit 50 includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, a writing processing unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a separation unit, a cleaning unit, and a conveyance belt.

  The photosensitive drum is a drum having a photoconductive photosensitive layer formed on the surface thereof, and is rotatably provided. As described later, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The charger uniformly charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum.

  The writing processing unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum according to the image data acquired from the control unit 400. Specifically, the writing processing unit includes a laser diode that emits laser light based on image data, and a scanning optical unit that deflects and scans the laser light. The emitted laser light is deflected and scanned by the polygon mirror of the scanning optical unit in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the rotation direction (sub-scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum, and is imaged on the photosensitive drum. Expose the drum surface.

  The developing device forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum by reversal development of the electrostatic latent image. The transfer device has a transfer electrode for forming a potential difference with the photosensitive drum. Using this potential difference, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto the sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 40.

  The separation unit separates the paper on which the toner image is formed from the photosensitive drum. Specifically, the separation unit includes a separation electrode that performs corona discharge, and promotes separation of the paper by corona discharge. The cleaning unit cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum. Specifically, the cleaning unit removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The conveyance belt conveys the paper separated by the separation unit to the fixing unit 60.

  The fixing unit 60 is a unit that fixes a toner image formed on a sheet to the sheet by thermocompression bonding. The fixing unit 60 includes a heating roller, a pressure roller, and a cleaning web.

  The heating roller heats the paper on which the toner image is formed. The pressure roller conveys the sheet while holding the sheet between the heating roller and the pressure roller. Thus, the pressure roller presses the paper on which the toner image is formed. The cleaning web removes toner adhering to the pressure roller.

  The paper discharge unit 70 is a unit for discharging the paper on which the toner image is fixed. The paper discharge unit 70 is a unit that reverses the front and back of the sheet in the duplex copying mode. The paper discharge unit 70 includes a fixing discharge roller, a switching unit, a paper discharge roller, and a conveyance roller.

  The fixing discharge roller conveys the sheet conveyed from the fixing unit 60 to the switching unit side. The switching unit switches whether to discharge the sheet conveyed by the fixing discharge roller. Specifically, the switching unit switches the paper transport route to the discharge roller side in the single-sided copying mode. In the double-sided copying mode, the switching unit switches the paper transport route to the paper discharge roller side when toner image formation is completed on both sides of the paper. On the other hand, in the double-sided copying mode, the switching unit switches the sheet conveyance route to the reversing unit 80 side when the toner image formation on one side of the sheet is not completed.

  The paper discharge roller discharges the paper on which the toner image has been fixed to the post-processing apparatus 300 side. In the duplex copying mode, the conveyance roller conveys a sheet on which the toner image has not been formed on one side to the reversing unit 80 side.

  The reversing unit 80 is a unit that reverses the front and back of a sheet on which toner image formation has not been completed on one side. The reversing unit 80 transports the paper transported from the paper discharge unit 70 to the image forming unit 50 side. That is, the reversing unit 80 refeeds the paper to the image forming unit 50.

  The operation unit 90 is a user interface for operating the image forming apparatus 100. The operation unit 90 is configured by a touch screen, buttons, and switches in which a touch panel is superimposed on a liquid crystal panel.

  The paper feeding device 200 is a device that accommodates a larger amount of paper than the paper tray unit 30. In a case where a large amount of normal image paper is output, the paper feeding device 200 is used instead of the paper tray unit 30.

  The post-processing device 300 performs post-processing of the paper on which the image is formed. Specifically, the post-processing device 300 includes a first paper discharge tray 310, a stacker 320, and a finisher 330.

  The first paper discharge tray 310 is a tray on which the paper discharged by the image forming apparatus 100 is placed.

  The stacker 320 stores sheets discharged by the image forming apparatus 100. The stacker 320 is used in a case where a large amount of normal image paper is output.

  The finisher 330 performs sorting processing, punching processing, stapling processing, center folding processing, cutting processing, and the like. The finisher 330 discharges the paper subjected to these processes to the second paper discharge tray 331. The second paper discharge tray 331 is a tray on which the paper discharged by the finisher 330 is placed.

  The printer controller 500 receives a print job from the user terminal 600 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 601. The printer controller 500 analyzes the print job and transmits image data to the image forming apparatus 100 via the video bus 501.

  The user terminal 600 is a terminal such as a personal computer. The user terminal 600 transmits a print job to the printer controller 500 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 601. The print job is data instructing printing of an image designated by the user terminal 600, and is described in a page description language (PDL: Page Description Language) such as PostScript (registered trademark of Adobe) or PCL.

(Function of image forming apparatus)
Hereinafter, functions of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 400 that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 400 includes a communication I / F 410, an HDD 420, a memory 430, and a CPU 440.

  The communication I / F 410 is connected to the video bus 501 and acquires image data from the printer controller 500.

  The HDD 420 stores a control program, information regarding functions of the image forming apparatus 100, and the like.

  The memory 430 is configured by a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM. The memory 430 temporarily stores the image data acquired by the image reading unit 20 and the image data acquired by the communication I / F 410. In addition, a control program stored in the HDD 420 is expanded on the memory 430.

  The CPU 440 controls each component of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the control program developed on the memory 430. In the following, the operation of the CPU 440 related to the first embodiment will be mainly described. Therefore, it should be noted that a part of the operation of the CPU 440 is omitted.

  The CPU 440 instructs the image forming unit 50 to form a normal image based on the normal image data. The CPU 440 instructs the image forming unit 50 to form a sample image based on the sample image data.

  The normal image data is image data acquired by the image reading unit 20 or image data acquired by the communication I / F 410. That is, the normal image data is image data relating to an image (normal image) that is to be printed or copied by the user.

  The sample image data is image data for forming a sample image, and is stored in advance in the HDD 420, for example. The sample image is used to confirm whether an abnormality has occurred in the output image. Therefore, the sample image is preferably an image such as a gradation chart that can easily grasp a change in image quality.

  The CPU 440 instructs the paper discharge unit 70 and the post-processing device 300 to discharge normal image paper or sample image paper. The normal image paper is a paper on which a normal image is formed as described above. The sample image paper is a paper on which a sample image is formed.

  Here, the CPU 440 discharges the normal image paper and the sample image paper so that the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged can be identified, such as a portion (paper tray unit 30, paper feed unit 40, The image forming unit 50, the fixing unit 60, and the like) and at least one of the parts (the paper discharge unit 70, the post-processing device 300, and the like) responsible for the discharge control of the image-formed paper are controlled. Examples of the paper discharge method include the following paper discharge methods.

(1) Change of orientation of sample image paper First, a case where normal image paper and sample image paper are discharged to the same discharge destination is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 440 is responsible for image formation control (paper tray unit 30, paper feed unit 40, image forming unit 50) so as to discharge sample image paper in a direction different from the normal image paper by 90 °. , Fixing unit 60, etc.). Specifically, for example, when a normal image is formed on A4 vertical paper, when a normal image is formed, the sample image is fed from a paper feed tray containing A4 vertical paper. Is formed, the paper is fed from a paper feed tray containing A4 landscape paper. In this way, the sample image paper is discharged so that the discharged sample image paper has a protruding portion that protrudes from the bundle of normal image paper. The sample image is formed on the protruding portion.

  Such a paper discharge method is preferably used when the normal image paper and the sample image paper are discharged to the first paper discharge tray 310.

(2) Shift of sample image paper Secondly, a case where normal image paper and sample image paper are discharged to the same discharge destination will be exemplified. As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 440 instructs the paper discharge unit 70 and the post-processing device 300 to discharge the sample image paper by shifting the sample image paper from the normal image paper. Thus, the sample image paper is discharged so that the sample image paper has a protruding portion that protrudes from the bundle of normal image paper. The sample image is formed on the protruding portion.

  Such a paper discharge method is preferably used when the finisher 330 is the discharge destination of normal image paper and sample image paper.

(3) Timing Paper Discharge Third, a case where normal image paper is discharged to a first discharge destination and sample image paper is discharged to a second discharge destination is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 5, when the sample image paper is discharged to the second discharge destination, the CPU 440 discharges the timing paper indicating the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged to the first discharge destination. , Parts responsible for image formation control (paper tray unit 30, paper feed unit 40, image forming unit 50, fixing unit 60, etc.) and parts responsible for discharge control of paper on which images have been formed (paper discharge unit 70 and post-processing device 300) Etc.). To do. Note that the timing at which the timing sheet is discharged onto the bundle of normal image sheets is synchronized with the timing at which the sample image sheet is discharged. The sample image is formed on substantially the entire surface of the sample image paper.

  Here, it is preferable that the paper type of the timing paper is different from that of the normal image paper. For example, as the timing sheet, a tab sheet having a protruding portion protruding from a bundle of normal image sheets can be used. As the timing paper, paper having a paper quality harder than that of normal image paper or paper having a ground color different from that of normal image paper can be used. That is, immediately before or after the sample image is formed on the paper, the control is performed so that the timing paper is fed from the paper feed tray containing the timing paper and discharged to the first discharge destination without forming the image. Do.

  In such a paper discharge method, the discharge destination of the normal image paper and the timing paper, that is, the first discharge destination is the stacker 320, and the discharge destination of the sample image paper, that is, the second discharge destination is the first discharge paper. It is preferable to use the tray 310.

  Note that the CPU 440 instructs the formation of the sample image and the discharge of the sample image paper when the sample discharge condition is satisfied. Sample discharge conditions are: (a) the number of normal image paper discharged reaches a predetermined number, (b) the temperature inside the image forming apparatus 100 reaches a predetermined temperature, and (c) the inside of the image forming apparatus 100. And (d) an interrupt requesting the discharge of the sample image paper is input from the operation unit 90.

(Operation of image forming apparatus)
Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 6 to 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The flow is stored in the HDD 420 by the CPU 440 when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. The program is started by developing the program in the memory 430 and executing it.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step 10, the control unit 400 initializes settings of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step 20, the control unit 400 transitions to a state of waiting for normal image data. The normal image data is image data acquired by the image reading unit 20 or image data acquired by the communication I / F 410.

  In step 30, the control unit 400 determines whether normal image data has been received. When the normal image data is received, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 40. The control unit 400 returns to the process of step 20 when the normal image data is not received.

  In step 40, the control unit 400 starts an image forming process which is a process for forming an image on a sheet. Details of the image forming process will be described later (see FIG. 7).

  In step 50, the control unit 400 performs a paper discharge process for discharging the paper on which the image is formed. Details of the paper discharge process will be described later (see FIG. 9).

  In step 60, the control unit 400 determines whether or not to end image formation based on the normal image data. The control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 70 when the image formation is finished. The control unit 400 returns to the process of step 40 when the image formation is not finished.

  In step 70, the control unit 400 instructs the post-processing device 300 to perform post-processing when post-processing is necessary. The post-processing includes sort processing, punching (punching) processing, stapling processing, center folding processing, cutting processing, and the like.

  Next, details of the image forming process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, in step 41, the control unit 400 determines whether or not the sample paper discharge condition is satisfied. If the sample discharge condition is not satisfied, the control unit 400 proceeds to step 42. If the sample discharge condition is satisfied, the control unit 400 proceeds to step 43.

  In step 42, the control unit 400 forms a normal image based on the normal image data. The control unit 400 outputs a normal image to the image forming unit 50.

  In step 43, the control unit 400 forms a sample image based on the sample image data. The control unit 400 outputs the sample image to the image forming unit 50.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in step 431, the control unit 400 determines whether or not the discharge destination of the normal image paper is the finisher 330. When the discharge destination is the finisher 330, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 432. If the discharge destination is not the finisher 330, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 434.

  In step 432, as shown in FIG. 4, when the sample image paper is shifted from the normal image paper, the control unit 400 includes the image data including the sample image arranged on the protruding portion protruding from the bundle of the normal image paper. Is generated.

  In step 433, the control unit 400 instructs the paper feed unit 40 to feed paper having the same orientation as normal image paper. Subsequently, the control unit 400 instructs the image forming unit 50 to form an image based on the image data so as to form a sample image on the protruding portion. That is, the control unit 400 outputs the image data generated in step 432 to the image forming unit 50.

  In step 434, the control unit 400 determines whether or not the normal image paper discharge destination is the stacker 320. When the discharge destination is the stacker 320, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 435. When the discharge destination is not the stacker 320, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 437. That is, when the discharge destination is the first discharge tray 310, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 437.

  In step 435, the control unit 400 generates image data including sample images arranged on the entire surface of the sheet, as shown in FIG.

  In step 436, the control unit 400 first instructs the paper feed unit 40 to feed the timing paper. In this step, the control unit 400 instructs the paper feed unit 40 to feed paper having the same orientation as normal image paper. Subsequently, the control unit 400 instructs the image forming unit 50 to form an image based on the image data so as to form a sample image on the entire surface of the sheet. That is, the control unit 400 outputs the image data generated in step 435 to the image forming unit 50, and forms a sample image on the sheet fed following the timing sheet.

  In step 437, as shown in FIG. 3, when the sample image paper has an orientation that is 90 ° different from that of the normal image paper, the control unit 400 displays the sample image arranged on the protruding portion protruding from the bundle of normal image paper. Generate image data containing.

  In step 438, the control unit 400 rotates the image data generated in step 437 by 90 °.

  In step 439, the control unit 400 instructs the paper feed unit 40 to feed paper having an orientation different from that of normal image paper by 90 °. Subsequently, the control unit 400 instructs the image forming unit 50 to form an image based on the image data so as to form a sample image on the protruding portion. That is, the control unit 400 outputs the image data rotated in step 438 to the image forming unit 50.

  Next, details of the paper discharge process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, in step 51, the control unit 400 determines whether the paper on which the image is formed is a sample image paper. If the sheet is not a sample image sheet, the control unit 400 proceeds to step 52. If the paper is a sample image paper, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 53.

  In step 52, the control unit 400 instructs the paper discharge unit 70 and the post-processing device 300 to discharge normal image paper.

  In step 53, the control unit 400 determines whether or not the discharge destination of the normal image paper is the finisher 330. When the discharge destination is the finisher 330, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 54. If the discharge destination is not the finisher 330, the control unit 400 proceeds to step 55.

  In step 54, the control unit 400 instructs the paper discharge unit 70 and the post-processing device 300 to discharge the sample image paper so as to shift the sample image paper from the normal image paper and discharge the sample image paper.

  In step 55, the control unit 400 determines whether or not the normal image paper discharge destination is the stacker 320. When the discharge destination is the stacker 320, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 56. When the discharge destination is not the stacker 320, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 58. That is, the control unit 400 proceeds to the process of step 58 when the discharge destination is the first discharge tray 310.

  In step 56, the control unit 400 instructs the paper discharge unit 70 and the post-processing device 300 to discharge the timing paper to the stacker 320.

  In step 57, the control unit 400 instructs the paper discharge unit 70 and the post-processing device 300 to discharge the sample image paper to a discharge destination different from the stacker 320. For example, the control unit 400 instructs the paper discharge unit 70 and the post-processing device 300 to discharge the sample image paper to the first paper discharge tray 310.

  In step 58, the control unit 400 discharges the sample image paper so that the sample image paper conveyed in a direction different from the normal image paper is discharged to a discharge destination from which the normal image paper is discharged. Instructs the paper unit 70 and the post-processing apparatus 300.

(Function and effect)
In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the normal image paper and the sample image paper so that the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged can be identified in the bundle of normal image papers. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the timing when the sample image paper is discharged. Thereby, it is possible to easily grasp the timing at which an abnormality has occurred in the normal image formed on the normal image paper.

  Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the sample image paper in a different direction from the normal image paper when the discharge destination of the normal image paper and the sample image paper is the same. Therefore, a part of the sample image sheet protrudes from the bundle of normal image sheets, and the timing at which the sample image sheet is discharged can be easily grasped.

  The image forming apparatus 100 shifts the sample image sheet from the normal image sheet and discharges the sample image sheet when the discharge destinations of the normal image sheet and the sample image sheet are the same. Therefore, a part of the sample image sheet protrudes from the bundle of normal image sheets, and the timing at which the sample image sheet is discharged can be easily grasped.

  The image forming apparatus 100 forms a sample image on a protruding portion that protrudes from a bundle of normal image sheets on a sample image sheet. Accordingly, the sample image can be easily visually recognized even when the normal image paper is superimposed on the sample image paper.

  The image forming apparatus 100 discharges the timing sheet to the same discharge destination as the normal image sheet when the discharge destinations of the normal image sheet and the sample image sheet are different. Accordingly, a timing sheet indicating the timing at which the sample image sheet is discharged is inserted into the bundle of normal image sheets, and the timing at which the sample image is discharged can be determined by checking the position at which the timing sheet is inserted. It can be easily grasped.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may not be an MFP but may be an apparatus having only a printer function or an apparatus having only a copying function.

  When the discharge destination of the normal image paper is the first paper discharge tray 310, the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the sample image paper in a direction different from that of the normal image paper. It is not limited to. When the discharge destination of the normal image paper is the first paper discharge tray 310, the image forming apparatus 100 may discharge the sample image paper by shifting the sample image paper from the normal image paper.

  When the normal image paper is discharged to the finisher 330, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts the sample image paper from the normal image paper and discharges the sample image paper. It is not limited to this. When the discharge destination of the normal image paper is the first paper discharge tray 310, the image forming apparatus 100 may discharge the sample image paper in a direction different from that of the normal image paper.

  When the sample image paper is discharged in a direction different from that of the normal image paper, paper having a direction different from that of the normal image paper is supplied, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sheet may be rotated in the image forming apparatus 100 after a sheet having the same orientation as the normal image sheet is fed.

  When the normal image paper discharge destination is the stacker 320, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies the timing paper from the paper supply tray. However, the timing paper supply source is not limited to this. For example, when the post-processing device 300 has a collating function and has a paper feed tray for loading paper to be loaded, the paper loaded in the paper feed tray of the post-processing device 300 is used as timing paper. May be fed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control unit 400 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating discharge of sample image paper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating discharge of sample image paper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating discharge of sample image paper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Automatic document feeding unit, 20 ... Image reading unit, 30 ... Paper tray unit, 40 ... Paper feed unit, 50 ... Image forming unit, 60 ... Fixing unit, 70 ..Discharge unit, 80... Reversing unit, 90... Operation unit, 100... Image forming apparatus, 200. Paper discharge tray, 320 ... Stacker, 330 ... Finisher, 331 ... Second paper discharge tray, 400 ... Control unit, 410 ... Communication I / F, 420 ... HDD, 430, ..Memory, 440 ... CPU, 500 ... Printer controller, 501 ... Video bus, 600 ... User terminal, 601 ... LAN

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper,
An image forming unit that sequentially forms a normal image on a sheet based on the normal image data and forms a sample image on the sheet based on the sample image data;
A paper discharge unit for discharging normal image paper, which is a paper on which the normal image is formed, in a bundle, and discharging sample image paper, which is a paper on which the sample image is formed,
The normal image paper and the sample image paper are controlled by controlling at least one of the image forming unit and the paper discharge unit so that the timing at which the sample image paper is discharged can be identified in the bundle of normal image papers. A control unit for discharging the paper discharge unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The controller is
Let the paper discharge unit discharge the normal image paper and the sample image paper to the same discharge destination,
Further, the paper discharge unit discharges the sample image paper so that the sample image paper protrudes from the bundle of normal image paper at the same discharge destination.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to form the sample image on a protruding portion of the sample image sheet that protrudes from the normal image sheet.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit discharges the sample image paper in a direction different from the normal image paper.   The control unit causes the image forming unit to form the sample image on a paper having a different orientation from the paper on which the normal image is to be formed, so that the sample image paper is oriented in a direction different from the normal image paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is discharged.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the paper discharge unit to discharge the normal image paper and the sample image paper while relatively shifting the paper. The controller is
Causing the paper discharge unit to discharge the normal image paper to a first output destination, and to output the sample image paper to a second output destination;
Further, when the sample image sheet is discharged to the second discharge destination, a timing sheet that indicates the timing at which the sample image sheet is discharged is set as the first discharge destination. Eject paper,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a sheet type of the timing sheet is different from that of the normal image sheet.

Images